Landowners and neighbors in Worcester County, MD are enthusiastic about plans to add a cell tower to a family farm, an event now possible thanks to an amendment in zoning rules. As The Dispatch reports, the Kurtz family has been working with Arcola Towers to try to find a site on the property where a cell tower can be constructed.
Current zoning regulations do not allow placement within 1,000 feet of a house, but a 5-2 favorable vote from the Worcester County Commissioners will allow the county to approve placement within 500 feet if a special exemption is granted. While a specific situation prompted the ability to grant a more generous variance to the Kurtz family and Arcola, the ability to grant a special exception extends to the entire county.
“This, although it’s for everybody, doesn’t mean everybody’s going to get it,” said Commissioner Joe Mitrecic. “Unfortunately, in this day and age, we live and die by the cell phone. Cell phone coverage is that much more important at this time than it used to be.”
“There is a need in a lot of rural areas…for better cell phone coverage,” agreed Commissioner Josh Nordstrom. “I believe this is the right thing to do here because it gives us more flexibility and again, the board of zoning appeals will have the option of looking at this on a case by case basis.”
James Kurtz noted that his family and Arcola Towers have struggled to find a site within the property that will address coverage needs without disturbing agricultural operations. “In our area of Public Landing we have such poor, poor service,” said Kurtz. “This tower is not just about us, it would advantage our community greatly.”
Kristen Stelzer, Development Director for Arcola Towers, called the ruling by the Worcester County Commissioners, “An excellent compromise,” The Dispatch reports.
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